Barbarians | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/barbarians
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 19:48:14 GMT2015-03-03T19:48:14Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Olympic Stadium’s first rugby union match to feature Barbarians and Samoahttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/19/olympic-stadium-rugby-union-barbarians-samoa
• Invitational team ‘honoured’ to take part in match on 29 August<br />• Stratford venue will host five World Cup matches later this year<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/02/exercise-olympic-legacy-blair-sport" title="">• David Conn: Sofa 1 Exercise 0 – is that the great Olympic legacy?</a><p>The Barbarians will play Samoa in the first rugby match at London’s Olympic Stadium in August.</p><p>The Barbarians have bolstered their 125th anniversary year by taking part in dummy-run for the World Cup venue, on 29 August.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/19/olympic-stadium-rugby-union-barbarians-samoa">Continue reading...</a>Olympic StadiumBarbariansSamoa rugby union teamRugby World Cup 2015Rugby World CupRugby unionSportThu, 19 Feb 2015 10:45:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/19/olympic-stadium-rugby-union-barbarians-samoaPhotograph: Martin Rickett/PALondon's Olympic Stadium Stratford ground will host five Rugby World Cup matches, including the third-place play-off. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PAPhotograph: Martin Rickett/PALondon's Olympic Stadium Stratford ground will host five Rugby World Cup matches, including the third-place play-off. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PAPress Association2015-02-19T10:45:25ZRugby union in 2014: 10 memorable momentshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/16/rugby-union-2014-10-memorable-moments
Robert Kitson on the best, worst and most controversial moments in rugby union this year <br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/15/tennis-in-2014-ten-memorable-moments" title="">• Tennis in 2014: 10 memorable moments</a><p>As the estimable Katy McLean made clear during the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards, England’s victory in the women’s Rugby World Cup was a ground-breaking achievement. For a start England had been beaten in the previous three finals and had decided, to quote McLean, that “we couldn’t allow that to happen again”. The standard of rugby in the entire competition was also a significant step up and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/aug/17/england-win-womens-world-cup-canada-match-report" title="">England’s 21-9 win over Canada in the final in Paris</a> led to 20 players being awarded professional contracts by the Rugby Football Union. Interest will continue to rise with women’s sevens featuring in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It is hard to argue with McLean’s view that 2014 has been “a massive turning point for women’s sport”.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/16/rugby-union-2014-10-memorable-moments">Continue reading...</a>Ireland rugby union teamSouth Africa rugby teamNew Zealand rugby union teamPremiershipJonny WilkinsonRichie McCawSaracensClermont AuvergneBarbariansUSA rugby union teamCommonwealth Games 2014Brian O'DriscollCommonwealth GamesRugby unionSportTue, 16 Dec 2014 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/16/rugby-union-2014-10-memorable-momentsPhotograph: Michel Euler/APKaty McLean holds the World Cup aloft and celebrates with her England team-mates, after beating Canada in this year's final. Photograph: Michel Euler/APPhotograph: Michel Euler/APKaty McLean holds the World Cup aloft and celebrates with her England team-mates, after beating Canada in this year's final. Photograph: Michel Euler/APRobert Kitson2014-12-16T10:05:00ZBarbarians’ John Kirwan: England must take initiative against All Blackshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/02/barbarians-john-kirwan-england-all-blacks
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/01/barbarians-australia-autumn-international-warm-up-match-report" title="">• Barbarians 36-40 Australia</a><br />• Former wing says autumn result crucial ahead of World Cup <br />• Narrow win gives new Wallabies coach food for thought<p>England can ill-afford to lose to New Zealand this week if they are to subdue their southern hemisphere rivals at next year’s Rugby World Cup, according to the distinguished former All Black wing Sir John Kirwan. Saturday’s game is the first of four big autumn occasions this month at Twickenham, but Kirwan believes it is the most significant Test between the two countries in over a decade.</p><p>“For me it’s a really important November,” stressed Kirwan, whose Barbarians side on Saturday played their part in a splendid curtain-raiser to the QBE series. “I keep going back to 2002 when Martin Johnson’s side came down and beat us in Wellington. If I was Stuart Lancaster I’d want to win at home so that if you end up facing them next year you’ve got that in your back pocket.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/02/barbarians-john-kirwan-england-all-blacks">Continue reading...</a>BarbariansAustralia rugby union teamAustralia sportRugby unionSportSun, 02 Nov 2014 22:09:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/02/barbarians-john-kirwan-england-all-blacksPhotograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REX/Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REXThe presence of Tim Nanai-Williams among the Barbarians' ranks hints at the strength of New Zealand. Photograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REXPhotograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REX/Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REXThe presence of Tim Nanai-Williams among the Barbarians' ranks hints at the strength of New Zealand. Photograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REXRobert Kitson at Twickenham2014-11-02T22:09:10ZBarbarians 36-40 Australia | Autumn international warm-up match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/01/barbarians-australia-autumn-international-warm-up-match-report
Barbarians 36-40 Australia<p>New roads have been paved with more green than gold for Australia since they last reached the World Cup final 11 years ago and just as their latest new head coach, Michael Cheika, had started to sit comfortably, he watched his charges unravel against a club side that had started to feel the effects of a hard week.</p><p>In the context of the next 11 months – Australia face England here in the group stage of the World Cup on 3 October – an 11-try romp was not overloaded with significance. Cheika rested most of his frontline players ahead of the four-Test programme that begins against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday and the Wallabies entered into the spirit of what has become the professional game’s occasional homage to an old ideal – kicking penalties into touch rather than at goal and running from deep – but some old faultlines remained exposed, not least the scrum.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/01/barbarians-australia-autumn-international-warm-up-match-report">Continue reading...</a>Autumn internationalsBarbariansAustralia rugby union teamRugby unionSportAustralia sportSat, 01 Nov 2014 17:44:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/01/barbarians-australia-autumn-international-warm-up-match-reportPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesFrancis Saili of the Barbarians, left, stretches to beat Sean McMahon for a try but the latter went on to score Australia’s last one. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesFrancis Saili of the Barbarians, left, stretches to beat Sean McMahon for a try but the latter went on to score Australia’s last one. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPaul Rees at Twickenham2014-11-01T17:44:50ZAustralia given boost by new coach Michael Cheika for Barbarians match | Robert Kitsonhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/oct/31/australia-cheika-coach-impetus-barbarians-wallabies
The Wallabies’ third coach in 15 months has been backed to make an instant impact by former pupil Brian O’Driscoll<p>Call it the Darren Lehmann effect. As with the storm-tossed Wallabies, no one thought much of the Australia cricket team when Lehmann was lobbed the head coach’s job in place of Mickey Arthur two weeks before the 2013 Ashes in England. Within a few months the new man was presiding over a thumping 5-0 home series victory over England. If Michael Cheika, hastily promoted to Australian rugby’s top role, wants to remind his players how swiftly sporting fortunes can change he need look no further.</p><p>Could history repeat itself between now and next year’s Rugby World Cup when Australia, England and Wales will occupy the same pool? The appointment of the 47-year-old Cheika should give them fresh impetus, starting with Saturday’s opening fixture against the Barbarians at Twickenham. One glance at the team sheet reveals any number of players desperate to make an instant impact and divert attention away from the swirling off-field sagas which have dogged the squad for too long.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/oct/31/australia-cheika-coach-impetus-barbarians-wallabies">Continue reading...</a>Australia rugby union teamBarbariansRugby unionSportAustralia sportFri, 31 Oct 2014 14:17:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/oct/31/australia-cheika-coach-impetus-barbarians-wallabiesPhotograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesAustralia's new coach Michael Cheika prepares for his first game against Barbarians. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesAustralia's new coach Michael Cheika prepares for his first game against Barbarians. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesRobert Kitson2014-10-31T14:17:15ZAustralia reunite Quade Cooper and Will Genia to take on Barbarianshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/30/australia-quade-cooper-will-genia-barbarians
• Queensland Reds playmakers are paired together again<br />• Matt Hodgson leads Michael Cheika’s first team selection<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/29/alastair-kellock-captain-barbarians-australia" title="">• Alastair Kellock to captain Barbarians against Australia</a><p>Australia have reunited Quade Cooper and Will Genia at half-back for Saturday’s non-cap international against the Barbarians at Twickenham.</p><p>It will be the first time the Queensland Reds playmakers have been paired together by the Wallabies since last November’s 30-26 victory over Wales in Cardiff. Neither has featured for Australia this year with Cooper recovering from shoulder and hip injuries and Genia from an ankle problem.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/30/australia-quade-cooper-will-genia-barbarians">Continue reading...</a>Australia rugby union teamBarbariansRugby unionAustralia sportSportThu, 30 Oct 2014 11:09:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/30/australia-quade-cooper-will-genia-barbariansPhotograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesQuade Cooper, pictured, will play alongside Will Genia at half-back against the Barbarians at Twickenham. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesQuade Cooper, pictured, will play alongside Will Genia at half-back against the Barbarians at Twickenham. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesPress Association2014-10-30T11:09:10ZAlastair Kellock to captain Barbarians against Australiahttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/29/alastair-kellock-captain-barbarians-australia
• Former Scotland captain leads BaaBaas at Twickenham<br />• ‘To be invited to be part of it is a big honour’<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/28/brian-ashton-england-all-blacks" title="">England send for help from Ashton before All Blacks Test</a><p>Alastair Kellock, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/20/grant-gilchrist-captain-scotland-rugby-union-autumn-internationals-kelly-brown" title="">overlooked for Scotland’s autumn Test series</a>, will captain the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.</p><p>The former Scotland captain would have been hoping to be involved in preparations for battles against Argentina, New Zealand and Tonga with Vern Cotter’s national squad. Instead, the 33-year-old can vent his frustrations by leading the world-famous touring side, who are coached by John Kirwan.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/29/alastair-kellock-captain-barbarians-australia">Continue reading...</a>BarbariansAustralia rugby union teamRugby unionSportAustralia sportWed, 29 Oct 2014 16:23:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/29/alastair-kellock-captain-barbarians-australiaPhotograph: Lynne Cameron/PAAlastair Kellock will lead John Kirwan's Barbarians against Australia on Saturday. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PAPhotograph: Lynne Cameron/PAAlastair Kellock will lead John Kirwan's Barbarians against Australia on Saturday. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PAPress Association2014-10-29T16:23:36ZAustralia's Wallabies train under new coach Michael Cheika – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2014/oct/28/australia-wallabies-michael-cheika-barbarians-nick-phipps-video
Australia's national rugby team train in London on Monday under their new coach Michael Cheika. The Wallabies, keen for a fresh start following the Kurtley Beale text message controversy, are positive about Chieka's leadership, says scrum-half Nick Phipps. The Wallabies play the Barbarians on 1 November <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2014/oct/28/australia-wallabies-michael-cheika-barbarians-nick-phipps-video">Continue reading...</a>Australia rugby union teamBarbariansRugby unionKurtley BealeSportAustralia sportTue, 28 Oct 2014 12:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2014/oct/28/australia-wallabies-michael-cheika-barbarians-nick-phipps-videoCameron Spencer/Getty ImagesChristian Leali'ifano of the Wallabies Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesGuardian Staff2014-10-28T12:00:01ZEngland XV 29-39 Barbarians | Match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/01/england-xv-barbarians-match-report
England XV 29-39 Barbarians<p>The Barbarians resorted to heavy hitters rather than heavy drinkers after the excesses of last year, which culminated in an embarrassingly heavy defeat by the Lions in Hong Kong one week after they had been humbled by England’s reserves, but even with nearly 50 caps to every one of their opponents they took a long while to subdue inexperienced but resourceful opponents.</p><p>English rugby is in buoyant mood in the run-up to next year’s World Cup, less than three years after the national side returned from the tournament in New Zealand under a long dark cloud that set off a series of storms. The sky now is bluer and, even though England fielded virtually an E side, with 31 players in New Zealand and more than 20 others either packing bags before joining them or recovering from injuries, it was only when Hosea Gear scored his second try four minutes from time that the Barbarians secured victory.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/01/england-xv-barbarians-match-report">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamBarbariansRugby unionSportSun, 01 Jun 2014 20:14:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/01/england-xv-barbarians-match-reportPhotograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REX/Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REXHosea Gear evades the tackle of England's Henry Slade to score his second try and seal victory for the Barbarians. Photograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/RexPhotograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REX/Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/REXHosea Gear evades the tackle of England's Henry Slade to score his second try and seal victory for the Barbarians. Photograph: Tom Dwyer/Seconds Left/RexPaul Rees2014-06-01T20:14:29ZHome truths hit Jimmy Cowan on eve of Barbarians game against England XVhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/31/jimmy-cowan-barbarians-england
• Former All Blacks scrum-half nervous over future career<br />• Cowan keen to face Gloucester’s Dan Robson at Twickenham<p>Jimmy Cowan says he faces a “scary” uncertain three months to secure his future in top-flight rugby. The former All Blacks scrum-half will return to New Zealand after a fortnight of Barbarians and World XV duty in a bid to play his way to a Super Rugby contract.</p><p>The 32-year-old, who will start for the Barbarians against the England XV at Twickenham on Sunday, has left Gloucester after two years at Kingsholm, and will now seek a stint in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship ITM Cup.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/31/jimmy-cowan-barbarians-england">Continue reading...</a>BarbariansEngland rugby union teamRugby unionSportGloucesterSat, 31 May 2014 14:14:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/31/jimmy-cowan-barbarians-englandPhotograph: Tom Dulat/GettyJimmy Cowan during a Barbarians training session. The former All Black expects an 'interesting challenge' against an England XV. Photograph: Tom Dulat/GettyPhotograph: Tom Dulat/GettyJimmy Cowan during a Barbarians training session. The former All Black expects an 'interesting challenge' against an England XV. Photograph: Tom Dulat/GettyPress Association2014-05-31T14:14:36ZEngland’s much-maligned tour of New Zealand can be a force for goodhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/may/29/england-maligned-tour-new-zealand-stuart-lancaster
Stuart Lancaster’s conveyor-belt approach to bringing players through has put England in good shape for the future<p>Another day, another injury. When all the orthopaedic woes are added to the sub-standard arrangements signed off by another regime which means the dates for England’s first Test in New Zealand for three years turns into a club-versus-country conflict for 15 or so players involved in this Saturday’s grand final, there is no denying a botch-up.</p><p>It would be bad enough (and often is) were this just any summer tour. Instead it’s a visit to the backyard of the world champions, the global No1 team for as long as anyone can remember, and just 15 months before they come to Britain to defend their title.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/may/29/england-maligned-tour-new-zealand-stuart-lancaster">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamRugby unionStuart LancasterSportNew Zealand rugby union teamRugby World Cup 2015BarbariansEngland in New Zealand 2014Thu, 29 May 2014 12:13:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/may/29/england-maligned-tour-new-zealand-stuart-lancasterPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesStuart Lancaster's approach to bringing young players through has given England a bright future. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesStuart Lancaster's approach to bringing young players through has given England a bright future. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesDean Ryan2014-05-29T12:13:03ZEngland second string to face Barbarians with Graham Kitchener at helmhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/28/england-graham-kitchener-barbarians-captain-twickenham
• Leicester lock named captain for non-cap match on Sunday<br />• Only three senior internationals in XV for Twickenham game<p>The Leicester lock Graham Kitchener will captain the England XV to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday. The uncapped second-row will lead the England side coached by Joe Lydon and Jon Callard, with the Exeter Chiefs fly-half Henry Slade as vice-captain.</p><p>England’s starting lineup contains three fully capped internationals and eight England Saxons. The Bath centre Jonathan Joseph, with six caps, and the Gloucester wing Charlie Sharples, with four, are England’s most experienced picks, with the scrum-half Joe Simpson having one cap.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/28/england-graham-kitchener-barbarians-captain-twickenham">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamBarbariansLeicesterRugby unionSportEngland in New Zealand 2014Wed, 28 May 2014 13:52:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/28/england-graham-kitchener-barbarians-captain-twickenhamPhotograph: Joe Giddens/PAThe Leicester lock Graham Kitchener will captain an England side with only three capped players against the Barbarians at Twickenham. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PAPhotograph: Joe Giddens/PAThe Leicester lock Graham Kitchener will captain an England side with only three capped players against the Barbarians at Twickenham. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PAPress Association2014-05-28T13:52:15ZEngland suffer setback over Dylan Hartley before tour of New Zealandhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/19/england-dylan-hartley-tour-new-zealand-mike-brown-billy-twelvetrees
• Hartley's shoulder injury not responding quickly to treatment<br />• Mike Brown and Billy Twelvetrees may be fit to face All Blacks<p>England look increasingly likely to be without the Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley for next month's tour of New Zealand but are more optimistic about the prospects of Mike Brown and Billy Twelvetrees being fit to play key roles against the All Blacks next month.</p><p>Hartley's shoulder injury is not responding as swiftly as hoped and a final decision on his participation is likely to be made over the weekend. The head coach, Stuart Lancaster, in contrast, is hopeful Brown will recover from the upper-leg injury that forced him out of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/17/saracens-harlequins-premiership-semi-final-match-report" title="">Saturday's Premiership semi-final between Harlequins and Saracens</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/19/england-dylan-hartley-tour-new-zealand-mike-brown-billy-twelvetrees">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamStuart LancasterNew Zealand rugby union teamBarbariansRugby unionSportEngland in New Zealand 2014Mon, 19 May 2014 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/19/england-dylan-hartley-tour-new-zealand-mike-brown-billy-twelvetreesPaul Harding/Action ImagesA decision over Dylan Hartley's fitness for England's tour of New Zealand is likely to be made at the weekend. Photograph: Paul Harding/Action ImagesPaul Harding/Action ImagesA decision over Dylan Hartley's fitness for England's tour of New Zealand is likely to be made at the weekend. Photograph: Paul Harding/Action ImagesRobert Kitson2014-05-19T21:00:00ZBarbarians 43-19 Fiji | Autumn international match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/30/barbararians-fiji-autumn-international
Barbarians 43-19 Fiji<p>Bismarck Du Plessis led a bullish Barbarian blitz with two first-half tries to subdue Fiji 43-19 at Twickenham.</p><p>The Barbarians racked up seven tries in a one-sided autumn international encounter in London.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/30/barbararians-fiji-autumn-international">Continue reading...</a>Autumn internationalsBarbariansFiji rugby union teamRugby unionSportSat, 30 Nov 2013 17:11:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/30/barbararians-fiji-autumn-internationalDavid Rogers/Getty ImagesBismarck Du Plessis scored two tries for the Barbarians and was denied a third against an under-strength Fiji. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesDavid Rogers/Getty ImagesBismarck Du Plessis scored two tries for the Barbarians and was denied a third against an under-strength Fiji. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPress Association2013-11-30T17:11:52ZAll Blacks coach Steve Hansen opens another door with the Barbarianshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/29/all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-barbarians-fiji-2015-world-cup
The successful rugby union man takes a break from all-conquering New Zealand to oversee the Baa-Baas against Fiji at Twickenham but also has his sights on 2015 World Cup<p>&quot;We're not giving up,&quot; Steve Hansen mutters as he leads me through a brightly lit maze of corridors in a swanky hotel in London. The All Blacks intense and hugely successful coach, who has taken charge of the Barbarians as they prepare for Saturday's entertaining runaround against Fiji at Twickenham, has been subjected to a frustrating series of defeats over the past five minutes. He has tried one door after another, while searching for a free room where we can talk, and each has either been locked or full of bewildered business people staring at the exasperated New Zealander.</p><p>Last Sunday, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/24/ireland-new-zealand-autumn-internationals" title="">having been 19-0 down after 18 minutes against Ireland</a>, Hansen's All Blacks became the first international team since the advent of professional rugby to <a href="http://www.sanzarrugby.com/therugbychampionship/news/perfection-all-blacks-make-it-14-from-14" title="">win every match of a perfect season</a>. Fourteen consecutive victories, however, are in danger of being obscured by the 14th unsuccessful turn of a doorknob in, as Hansen says, &quot;a bloody warren&quot;.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/29/all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-barbarians-fiji-2015-world-cup">Continue reading...</a>New Zealand rugby union teamBarbariansRugby unionSportFri, 29 Nov 2013 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/29/all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-barbarians-fiji-2015-world-cupGraeme Robertson/Graeme RobertsonAnother door has opened for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, with the Barbarians, who face Fiji at Twickenham. Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianGraeme Robertson/Graeme RobertsonAnother door has opened for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, with the Barbarians, who face Fiji at Twickenham. Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianDonald McRae2013-11-29T12:05:00ZBritish &amp; Irish Lions 59-8 Barbarians | Lions tour match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/02/lions-australia-hong-kong-barbarians
• British &amp; Irish Lions 59-8 Barbarians<p>What felt to many like a sweat-soaked damp squib may ultimately prove a more useful exercise than it appeared. The Lions will be in no hurry to play in such horribly humid conditions again but, according to the squad's medical staff, this slightly unreal occasion could yet give the touring team an edge in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on 22 June.</p><p>All the post-match checks conducted by the Lions doctor James Robson, the head of conditioning Adam Beard and the sports scientist Brian Cunniffe suggest the players suffered no ill-effects and may even have benefited from a breathless cross between a Bikram yoga class and an episode of It Ain't Half Hot Mum. &quot;We know that if you stress individuals at certain points you do get a benefit,&quot; said Robson, respected far beyond his native Dundee and on his sixth Lions tour.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/02/lions-australia-hong-kong-barbarians">Continue reading...</a>Lions tour 2013British & Irish LionsBarbariansAustralia sportRugby unionSportSun, 02 Jun 2013 20:59:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/02/lions-australia-hong-kong-barbariansDavid Davies/PAThe British & Irish Lions take a drinks break in the extreme heat during the match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong. Photograph: David Davies/PADavid Davies/PAThe British and Irish Lions' players take a drink break in the extreme heat during the match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong. Photograph: David Davies/PARobert Kitson in Hong Kong2013-06-02T20:59:01ZWarren Gatland: The Lions will 'get whacked but they can't retaliate'http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/01/warren-gatland-british-irish-lions
• Schalk Brits has been cited for his punch on Owen Farrell<br />• 'We're going to stress: keep your discipline'<p>Warren Gatland has warned his British &amp; Irish Lions to turn the other cheek and not react to provocation from Australian opponents in the forthcoming weeks. The Lions enjoyed a runaway 59-8 win over the Barbarians in their opening tour fixture, but their young fly-half, Owen Farrell, was caught up in an ugly first-half clash with his Saracens club-mate Schalk Brits.</p><p>Farrell took a sharp punch to the jaw from the usually affable Brits who had taken exception to being illegally held back at a ruck. The 21-year-old England international responded by shoving at the South African's face, and Gatland stressed afterwards that his players could not afford to lose their cool on the Australian leg of their 10-match tour. &quot;One of the things we're going to emphasise very strongly on this tour is to make sure we keep our discipline … that's going to be hugely important for us,&quot; Gatland said, well aware that the Wallabies will attempt to wind up any player with a potentially volatile temperament.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/01/warren-gatland-british-irish-lions">Continue reading...</a>Lions tour 2013British & Irish LionsBarbariansWarren GatlandRugby unionAustralia sportSportSat, 01 Jun 2013 16:57:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/01/warren-gatland-british-irish-lionsTyrone Siu/REUTERSBarbarians' Martin Castrogiovanni clashes with British & Irish Lions' Owen Farrell during their friendly match in Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/REUTERSTyrone Siu/REUTERSBarbarians' Martin Castrogiovanni clashes with British & Irish Lions' Owen Farrell during their friendly match in Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/REUTERSRobert Kitson in Hong Kong2013-06-01T16:57:13ZBritish &amp; Irish Lions 59-8 Barbarians | Lions tour match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/01/lions-barbarians-tour-opener
Barbarians 8-59 British Lions<br />• <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/gallery/2013/jun/01/lions-tour-2013-british-irish-lions" title="">The best images from Hong Kong</a><p>To say the Lions barely raised a sweat would, clearly, be libellous. Take away the oppressive humidity and moisture-soaked palms which dominated this occasion, however, and the opening fixture of the 2013 tour was about as routine as they come. The only gates these Barbarians will be storming this weekend will be the ones over at Hong Kong airport en route to their various end-of-season vacations.</p><p>What this contest proved, as a result, is anyone's guess. With balls repeatedly falling from slippery fingers and the pace of the game up front frequently slowing to a virtual crawl, it all bore about as much relation to the white heat of a Lions Test series as the Far East does to Felixstowe. In fits and starts there were signs of a promising touring team trying to get out but accurate judgments, sadly, will have to wait until they encounter conditions which permit a proper game of rugby union.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/01/lions-barbarians-tour-opener">Continue reading...</a>Lions tour 2013British & Irish LionsBarbariansRugby unionAustralia sportSportSat, 01 Jun 2013 13:40:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/01/lions-barbarians-tour-openerTyrone Siu/ReutersThe British and Irish Lions' scrum-half Mike Phillips flies through the air to score a try during the thumping win over the Barbarians. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/ReutersTyrone Siu/ReutersThe British and Irish Lions' scrum-half Mike Phillips flies through the air to score a try during the thumping win over the Barbarians. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/ReutersRobert Kitson in Hong Kong2013-06-01T13:40:01ZBritish & Irish Lions v Barbarians – in pictureshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2013/jun/01/lions-tour-2013-british-irish-lions
All the best images from <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/jun/01/british-irish-lions-barbarians-live-report">the first match of the British and Irish Lions' 2013 tour</a> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2013/jun/01/lions-tour-2013-british-irish-lions">Continue reading...</a>Lions tour 2013British & Irish LionsRugby unionBarbariansSportSat, 01 Jun 2013 13:24:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2013/jun/01/lions-tour-2013-british-irish-lionsPhilippe Lopez/AFP/Getty ImagesRugby fans joke around with a British and Irish Lions mascot Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty ImagesSteven Bloor2013-06-01T13:24:00ZHumid Hong Kong the perfect place for British &amp; Irish Lions warm-up gamehttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/31/british-irish-lions-hong-kong-heat
• Players expected to lose one or two kilos apiece<br />• Barbarians game to be stopped four times for drink breaks<p>While some people like it hot, there are limits. When the British &amp; Irish Lions first announced they would be stopping off in the Far East en route to Australia they knew Hong Kong might be steamy, but Saturday's opening fixture against the Barbarians is threatening to give a whole new literal meaning to the term &quot;warm-up game&quot;.</p><p>With forecast humidity of between 80-90% and temperatures above 31C, conditions could hardly be more extreme for a high-profile game of rugby. The game will be stopped twice in each half for drinks breaks and ice vests will be used to try and cool down players' body temperatures during the interval. Roast Lion is one of the few dishes not regularly found on the lunch menu in these parts, but there could be lots around by the final whistle.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/31/british-irish-lions-hong-kong-heat">Continue reading...</a>Lions tour 2013British & Irish LionsBarbariansRugby unionAustralia sportHong KongHong KongSportFri, 31 May 2013 21:00:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/31/british-irish-lions-hong-kong-heatDavid Davies/PAToby Faletau cools off amid the portable fans during training at the Aberdeen ground in Hong Kong. Photograph: David Davies/PADavid Davies/PAToby Faletau cools off with the aid of the protable fans during a training session at the Aberdeen ground in Hong Kong. Photograph: David Davies/PARobert Kitson in Hong Kong2013-05-31T21:00:13Z